Latest news with #Malacañang
Filipino Times
19 hours ago
- Climate
- Filipino Times
Palace suspends classes, gov't work in NCR and 34 provinces due to Habagat
Malacañang announced that government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and 34 provinces will be suspended on Wednesday, July 23, due to continuous heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular No. 90 upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The suspension covers the following provinces: Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna. Agencies providing vital services—including health, preparedness, and emergency response—will continue operations to ensure the delivery of essential functions. Non-vital personnel may adopt alternative work arrangements in line with existing regulations.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Marcos begins US visit, to push for stronger alliance and talks on tariff relief
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday afternoon for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening Philippine-US ties and pushing for progress on trade, investment, and security cooperation. Welcomed by Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Marcos begins his first Washington trip under President Donald Trump's current term. He is also the first Southeast Asian leader hosted by Trump since his return to the White House in January. Malacañang said the visit reaffirms the long-standing treaty alliance between Manila and Washington, grounded in 'mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.' Before leaving Manila, Marcos stressed that addressing the newly raised 20% US tariff on Philippine exports is a top priority. He vowed to push for a bilateral trade agreement to soften its impact and secure long-term access to the American market. 'My meeting with President Trump is essential to advancing our national interests and strengthening our alliance,' Marcos said. 'We will reaffirm our commitment to our long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.' A trade delegation led by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque arrived ahead of Marcos to continue technical talks with US officials on the tariff issue.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
SC, NCR courts suspend work due to bad weather
Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen has suspended work in the Supreme Court (SC) and all courts in the National Capital Region due to inclement weather, SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting announced Monday. Ting said that court work was suspended starting at 1 p.m. to ensure the safety of judges, court personnel, and court users. Malacañang earlier announced the suspension of classes and work in government offices in the National Capital Region, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan at 1 p.m. According to PAGASA, Metro Manila and several provinces are expected to experience 100 to 200 mm of rainfall due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat until Tuesday. It advised residents and local government units to brace for heavy to torrential rain from July 21 until July 24. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
MMDA: Number coding suspended due to bad weather
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday afternoon suspended the number coding scheme due to the bad weather caused by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. 'Be careful when driving during this rainy season and please follow traffic laws for road safety,' the advisory read in Filipino. Malacañang earlier suspended classes and work in government offices in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan at 1 p.m. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also ordered the Department of Transportation, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Ports Authority to offer free rides to the public. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Palace cites gov't programs for elderly amid push to penalize neglectful children
Malacañang urged the public to take note of existing government programs for senior citizens amid renewed discussions on the welfare of the elderly and a proposed Senate measure seeking to penalize children who abandon their aging parents. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to prioritize elderly Filipinos as part of the country's vulnerable sectors. 'Marami tayong mga programa para sa kanila. May discount sila sa MRT at LRT, at tinuturing silang priority sa tulong,' Castro said. The statement comes after Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson refiled the 'Parents Welfare Act of 2025,' which aims to impose penalties on individuals who fail to provide support to their elderly, sick, or incapacitated parents. If passed into law, children who abandon their parents may face imprisonment of six to ten years and a fine of not less than P300,000. Asked about the Palace's position on the measure, Castro said the Family Code already mandates mutual support between children and parents, citing Article 194. 'May obligasyon ang anak na suportahan ang magulang, at ang magulang sa anak. Nasa batas na 'yan,' she explained. Castro added that a thorough review of the bill is necessary to determine the validity of criminalizing children who neglect their parents.
